Month: November 2024

The Turtle in the Tire Track

On By scottpetersenIn The turtle in the tire track, Tucumcari NMLeave a comment

(A repeat from 2/13/2012; also published in the Quay County Sun – August 3, 2016)   In 1969 I was in Tucumcari, NM. I’ve always been interested in Indian artifacts so I took a drive to “look around.” Outside of town, I took the long road of the Chappell Spade Ranch along the Canadian River. I pulled up to the ranch house where a man was standing. I asked if there was a place one might find Indian artifacts and was told “Mr. Griggs” might help but he was out walking. “Out there” the man pointed. I was driving my 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint – ragtop. Top down. So I headed off into the desert — bouncing along on a two tire track “road.”

After a while, I found Mr. Griggs about 2 miles out walking with a young girl who was on horseback.   I asked about artifacts and he shrugged. “You just have to look.” Big help he was. He asked if I’d drive him back to the ranch – so I said “sure” and he hopped in.

We came to the top of a rise. Below, the two tire track ruts were full of water from rain the night before. He said “you better gun it or we’ll get stuck.” So I did. Whoosh! Down the hill. And then I suddenly jammed on the brakes – skidding and splashing to a stop with water up to my hubcaps. He said “what the. . .” I got out of the car and about 20 feet in front of us a big turtle was cooling himself. In the water. In the tire track. If I’d continued, I would have crushed him. I held up the turtle to show Mr. Griggs. I set the turtle on the side and got back in the car. He stared at me. I looked at him somewhat defensively and said “I didn’t want to kill the turtle.” He nodded and thought a moment “You did the right thing. You want Indian artifacts? Go that way” – he pointed.  

I slushed out of the water and we lurched across the desert in another two tire track “road.” And we stopped, climbed to the top of a butte and he showed me an Indian burial ground. He told me the story of the Anasazis who had lived there. I found some neat things – some of which I took. Today, I have in my office a well-used mano (corn grinding stone) – one of three I found that day along with a metate (the stone on which corn was ground). Every time I walk in my office – and glance at the mano – I think of the turtle in the tire track . . . . and that very special day.

Thanksgiving

On By scottpetersenIn Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving is an attitude1 Comment

In my post of November 11, 2011, I mentioned an occasion when I was asked by a friend “what is your favorite day?”  Quirky question but I thought – and replied “Thanksgiving.”   It’s a long weekend.  Family time.  Great food (stuffing – my favorite).  And this year – the 10 and 1 Detroit Lions on television as usual versus the ill-fated Bears.  And Christmas is on the way.   Christmas??  YIKES!!  So I asked my friend his favorite day.  “December 21st” he responded.  The day of the winter solstice — when the days begin to get longer.  I can relate. . . . .     

Well, it’s another November.   Thirteen years later.  Wow!  The days are often slow.  And arduous.  But the years go quickly.  Faster it seems every year.    

I hope that Thanksgiving is a favorite day for you.  But think of Thanksgiving as more than just a day.  Thanksgiving can inspire an attitude as well.  An every day attitude.  Of gratitude.   For family. Friends. And so much more. My best wishes to you for a wonderful, happy and blessed Thanksgiving weekend.   

Faster horses. Younger women. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Faster horses, younger women, Tom T. HallLeave a comment

I like a few Country Western ballads like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” “She Thinks my Tractor’s Sexy” “Ladies Love Country Boys” “The Boys Round Here” and “Beer for my Horses” (see August 16, 2024). One of the top 100 songs selected by Western Writers of America debuted in December 1975 — “Faster Horses.” There’s even a Wikipedia article about this number.

The song was written and sung by Tom T. Hall (1936-2021). The premise is that a young poet enters a bar and meets an old cowboy who shares with him “the mysteries of life.” These mysteries of life are fourfold: “faster horses; younger women; older whiskey; and more money.”

Now if one were to ask me what the “mysteries of life” are, I might be inclined to say something like naps, spaghetti carbonara, golf and funny jokes. But I got to thinking about the old cowboy’s advice. Now I gave up “faster horses” when I ended my rodeo career in Estes Park, Colorado, at the age of 12. I like “younger women” very much – and my wife Donna proves it. She is precisely 30 days younger than I am (she just went “Phew“). The “older whiskey” business I gave up 53 years ago. Red wine though? Mmmm. . . . I do enjoy. As to “more money,” I can’t disagree. I don’t think anyone else can either. It does come in handy. . . . .

Check out Tom T. Hall’s explanation of the “mysteries of life.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnvMcX95G20 What are your mysteries of life?

Who may I say is calling?

On By scottpetersenIn Who's calling please?1 Comment

[A repeat from March 8, 2015] When you place a telephone call and the receptionist says “who may I say is calling,” you give your name.  Right? 

One day years ago, I got this question when I called a close friend.   My eyes narrowed and I responded “this is his parole officer.”   A few weeks later, I identified myself as “his tap dance teacher.”   A few weeks ago, I said “I’m from the Garden Shop and I wanna know – do I dump this load of manure on his driveway or in the front yard.”   

I called my Boy Scout pal Doctor Bill in Lexington, Ky.  “Who’s calling please?”  I said I was putting the new roof on his house.  Well – patients took a back seat for the moment.  He quickly answered and said “WHAT??”   Apparently he’d just asked for a quote on a new roof and was debating the subject.  We all gets the “who’s calling please” business and — maybe it’s just me — one day I decided to be different.  “My name is Marv McClurg from the Reader’s Digest.  I’m calling about his million dollar prize.”  And I hear in the background . . . sir – this man’s calling about your million dollar prize.   

At this point, when I call and say “This is Nelson Snodgrass from the White House,” receptionists will giggle and tell the recipient – always with a smile – “Scott’s on the phone. . . .”

Baseball in Heaven

On By scottpetersenIn Baseball in heavenLeave a comment

[An oldie from April 12, 2012] Two very old men lived together.  They loved baseball.  Each morning they would get the newspaper and read the stories about the day’s games.  They studied the box scores, statistics and players.  In the afternoon, they would watch baseball games on television and occasionally go to the games when their team was in town.  In the evening, they’d talk over dinner about the games, the players and statistics.  And each night, they would dream — dream of baseball.

They knew their days were numbered and so they made a pact.  When one of them died, he would do his best to “come back” to let his friend know if there was baseball in heaven. 

One cold gray morning, one old man did not arise.  He had passed away in the night.  He was buried but his friend carried on.  Reading, studying, watching and dreaming about baseball.  

A few weeks later, the old man got up and shuffled into the kitchen.  Who should be sitting at the kitchen table — his old friend!   “My friend!  How I’ve missed you.  How are y. . . . . wait! Is there baseball in heaven?”    The friend smiled — “I have good news and I have bad news for you.” 

“Well what’s the good news.  Is there baseball in heaven?”  His friend responded “Is there!  I’m on a team with Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb.  We played yesterday.”  The old man smiled and said “What’s the bad news?” 

His friend looked at him “You’re pitching tomorrow.” 

Deja vu

On By scottpetersenIn Deja vuLeave a comment

It’s gotta be fifty years ago. I was driving for the first time on Green Bay Road going north toward Highland Park, Illinois. All was going well until. . . . whoa! I had this weird feeling that I had been there – on this road – among these homes – at some point in the past. I looked around. It was a feeling that I had not experienced before. And since then, every time we drive up that way, the same sensation knocks on my door. And as we drive through – it exits. Why? Who knows. . . .

The term “deja vu” was first used in 1876 by Emile Boirac – a French philosopher. His book L’avenir des Sciences Psychiques offered deja vu as a remembrance of a memory. An experience from the past that prompts a feeling of familiarity in the future.

There are numerous theories on what causes deja vu: neurological anomaly, mental disorders, genetics, mild form of epilepsy, certain drug use and the list goes on.

The good news is that more than two thirds of all people experience deja vu. The experience of deja vu is interestingly more common among those who are younger, have higher education, people who travel, watch films and are able to recall dreams. Up until I began researching for this post, I was under the impression that deja vu was just an occasional sensation. It appears that the comments above may be just the tip of the iceberg. . . . .

So this guy. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn So this guyLeave a comment

[A repeat from September 29, 2021] So this guy goes to the doctor.  He’s nervous and fidgeting.  The doctor says “do you smoke?”   The guy responds “yeah – four packs a day.”  The doctor responds “well, if you don’t quit smoking, you’re going to be dead in five years.”  The guy is wiggling in his chair – he says “But Doc – I’m nervous.  I gotta have something to keep me calm.”  The doctor thought for a moment “why don’t you chew toothpicks?” 

So the guy quit smoking and started chewing toothpicks.  Three boxes of toothpicks a day.  He died five years later.  Dutch elm disease. . . .

The value of a handwritten letter

On By scottpetersenIn Handwritten letters, Manuscript SocietyLeave a comment

When I became President of The Manuscript Society (www.manuscript.org) in 2002, I asked the Executive Director to send me a list of all of those individuals and institutions that had not renewed their Society membership. There were about 240. I had stationery made – “The Manuscript Society” with my name as President – my address, phone number and email address. And I began sending letters. Handwritten ones – to every one of the 240 who did not renew. Now mind you – I had a full time job lawyering. And I was verrrry busy. But – for about a month, I stuck around my office for a few extra hours each night to write letters and address envelopes.

My letters were straightforward – like “I understand you haven’t renewed. . . . we miss you. . . . please let me know of any questions. . . . give me a call or send me a note. . . . we’d like you back. . . . yadda yadda. . . .” Well – within a week, responses began to arrive. Most with checks (a few made out to me!). And during the coming weeks, I believe 94 folks renewed their membership. I also received six notes from relatives – advising that the member had passed away. I then bought six sympathy cards and – with a handwritten note – sent them to family members on behalf of the Society. The son of one man who had died responded — with his own check for membership plus a “rounded up” gift to the Society.

I am convinced that handwritten letters can make a difference. Sure – it takes extra time but there is no downside. And who knows what smiles you might bring – or responses that might come in the door.

Patience

On By scottpetersenIn Patience as a virtueLeave a comment

I find I’m becoming more patient. Maybe it’s an age thing. Maybe it’s having grandchildren. Maybe I’m slipping – but I don’t think so. For me, patience often shows up when I’m driving. People want to cross the street and there’s traffic? I let them cross. When a car is trying to exit a side street . . . . I slow and wave them out. The UPS driver or guy in a dump truck or the garbage man – I figure they got work to do and they want to get home to their families. So I wave them out too.

In psychology and cognitive neuroscience, patience is studied as a decision-making issue – involving the choice of either a small reward in the short-term or a more valuable reward in the long term. Is it strictly one’s ability to endure delay, trouble or suffering? Or can it rise to the level of charity when others are involved? That’s over my head. Yet in all religious traditions, patience is deeply-rooted as a virtue.

In Judaism, the Talmud considers patience an important personal trait. “A patient man is better than a warrior.” Micah endures much challenge and yet he says “I will wait for the God who saves me” (Micah 7:7).

In Christianity, patience is a most valuable virtue. “. . . be patient with all. Do not return evil for evil but seek what is good for each other and for all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15).

In Islam, patience is one of the great virtues “. . . give good news to those who patiently endure. . . ” Surah Al-Baqara 2:155-6.

In Buddhism, patience refers more to not returning harm than to merely enduring a difficult situation. Yet patience is one of the “perfections” of Buddhism that we ought study and practice to realize perfect enlightenment.

In Hinduism, patience is an essential virtue. The word “patience” has several synonyms in the ancient literature of Hinduism. In short, it is the cheerful endurance of trying conditions and a consequence of one’s action and deeds.

In this election season, patience is a virtue that everyone needs. . . . .